Explore UVA’s Anne Spencer Exhibit and Rare Book School (In-Person)

In-Person Event $35 (includes lectures, lunch, and tours)

Join Lifetime Learning for a full day of celebrating books and poetry through lectures and tours of the University of Virginia’s "Anne Spencer: I am Here!" exhibit and the Rare Book School.

In the morning, participants will gather at the Auditorium of UVA’s Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library for lectures on Anne Spencer, a Harlem Renaissance poet and civil rights activist. We will also view archived books of Spencer’s works featuring her notes in the margins that will offer insights into the texts. Library staff will lead exhibit tours, culminating in a presentation and Q&A session with Shaun Spencer Hester, Anne Spencer’s granddaughter.

We will have lunch at the Special Collections Library before moving to The Edgar Shannon Library for the afternoon. We will visit and tour the Rare Book School and explore the history of written, printed, and digital materials. We will learn about the school’s offerings, participate in guided tours interpreting books and manuscripts, and view demonstrations of historical printing presses.

Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library/Morning:

Krystal Appiah, Head of Collection Development, Special Collections, Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, University of Virginia

Tessa Berman, Wolfe Curatorial Fellow, Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, University of Virginia

Allison Booth, Brown-Forman Professor of English, Department of English, College and Graduate School of Arts and Science, University of Virginia

Shaun Spencer Hester, Executive Director, The Anne Spencer House and Garden Historic Museum

Holly Robertson, Curator of Exhibits, Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, University of Virginia

Rare Book School/Afternoon:

Barbara Heritage, Miranker Family Director of Collections, Exhibitions & Scholarly Initiatives, Rare Book School, University of Virginia

Zoe Langer, Associate Curator, Rare Book School, University of Virginia

Kevin McFadden, Chief of Operations, Rare Book School, University of Virginia

Laura Perrings, Director of Programs & Education, Rare Book School, University of Virginia

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Cancellation Policy:

Participants may cancel their registration for this One-Day UVA program by emailing Susan Lynch at [email protected]. Susan will send an email notification confirming your cancellation.

Refund Policy:

If Lifetime Learning (via Susan) receives your cancellation email before midnight on April 18, 2025, you will receive a refund of 50% of your registration fee.

If Lifetime Learning (via Susan) receives your cancellation email after midnight on April 18, 2025, no refund will be issued.

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The Central Grounds Garage is conveniently located under the University Bookstore at 400 Emmet Street and is the closest parking lot to the Shannon and Special Collections Library. Hourly parking may be paid via the ParkMobile app.

The Culbreth Road Garage, located in the Arts Grounds at 130 Culbreth Road, is available for hourly visitor parking. Hourly parking may be paid via the ParkMobile app. This garage is a short walk from the Shannon and Special Collections Library.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Special Collections Library & The Edgar Shannon Library, 170 McCormick Road, Charlottesville, United States